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2022 Williams Selyem Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard Pinot Noir, 1.5ltr

Removed from a temperature and humidity controlled wine storage unit; Purchased direct from winery

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

98James Suckling

A racy, mineral-driven wine with a subtle saline character, great nervy acidity and complex flavors...floral notes like violets and orange blossoms on the nose, then racy raspberry, red cherry and almost meaty notes on the palate...great for its elegance... Medium-bodied with moderate, well-integrated tannins.

95The Wine Advocate

...detailed aromas of raspberry laced with fennel, sage, tea leaves and soaring lilac perfume. The medium-bodied palate is elegant and arresting, offering tremendous concentration and a sense of weightlessness...framed by silky tannins and mouthwatering acidity and has a very long, floral finish.

95Decanter Magazine (points)

...expressive nose of ripe red and blue fruits, floral incense, citrus peel, and spiced tea...palate exhibits an umami depth, complemented by a river stone minerality that extends through the finish. The tannins are firm yet finely textured, and the bright acidity keeps the wine lifted.

94Wine Spectator

Rich in texture...detailed thanks to the nice energy rippling underneath its mix of red and black cherry, raspberry and mulberry fruit paste flavors, while iris, rose hip and anise notes sparkle throughout. The long, sleek finish offers a kiss of toast without intruding on the fruit.

PRODUCER

Williams Selyem

Williams Selyem was founded in 1981 when Ed Selyem and Burt Williams, friends who shared winemaking as a hobby, decided to make a commercial vintage. The men were neighbors in the Russian River Valley with full time jobs that were unrelated to winemaking. Nevertheless they purchased grapes and made Zinfandel, then single-vineyard Pinot Noir. Williams Selyem Pinots quickly earned a cult following. In 1998 the founders sold the winery to John and Kathe Dyson, former customers with backgrounds in wine production and business. The winemaker is John Cabral. Though the estate is best known for Pinot Noir, it also makes Chardonnay and Zinfandel. Says Robert M. Parker Jr: “The overall style of Williams Selyem Pinots remains one of elegant, high-acid wines that can age….”

REGION

United States, California, Sonoma, Russian River Valley

Russian River Valley AVA is named for the river that meanders from Mendocino County in the north until it finally runs into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. The AVA is cool thanks to its proximity to the northern California coast and the river, and grape growers must learn to deal with regular fog. Nevertheless in recent decades the AVA has become one of the best in the state, meaning that its wines often earn excellent reviews and have considerable cachet. The AVA status was awarded in 1983 and today the appellation has 15,000 vineyard acres. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape though Pinot Noir has also been very successful in recent decades. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir are known for being rich, lush and filled with concentrated fruit and berry flavors. Russian River Pinot Noirs are today considered some of the best domestic Pinot Noirs.

TYPE

Red Wine, Pinot Noir

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.

VINTAGE

2022 Williams Selyem Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard Pinot Noir